Salt Lake City

Salt Lake Scorcher: Valley Bakes Near 106 Degrees As Heat Wave Peaks Sunday

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Published on July 12, 2026
Salt Lake Scorcher: Valley Bakes Near 106 Degrees As Heat Wave Peaks SundaySource: CGP Grey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Salt Lake City rolled into Sunday under clear skies and temps already sitting in the upper 70s at the airport, a warm start that is about to turn downright brutal. By this afternoon, much of the Salt Lake Valley is expected to push into the triple digits, with highs near 106°F and only limited relief after sunset. Officials are warning that the heat will stick around into early next week and will increase the risk of heat-related illness for anyone working or sleeping without reliable air conditioning.

Dangerous Heat Through Tuesday

The National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning in effect through 6:00 AM MDT Tuesday, July 14, with valley highs forecast to reach 106–107°F and overnight lows holding in the low to mid 70s. Forecasters say those numbers could challenge daily, monthly, or even yearly records in parts of northern Utah. Very hot days combined with warm nights leave little time for the body to cool down, which ramps up the danger of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for outdoor workers and vulnerable residents. For full details and hourly updates, see the National Weather Service.

Afternoon Peak And Overnight Relief

Temperatures are expected to climb quickly after midday, hitting roughly 100°F by noon, then peaking in the mid-afternoon through early evening. Hourly guidance points to readings of about 104–106°F between 2 and 6 PM local time. Winds should stay light at around 5–7 mph, so shade, air conditioning, and indoor spaces will do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to staying cool. Overnight lows in the 74–77°F range will not offer much of a cooldown for households without AC.

Where To Cool Off

For residents who do not have reliable air conditioning, Salt Lake County runs Cool Zone locations at libraries, recreation centers, and senior sites where people can get out of the heat, hydrate, and access basic services. You can check the county list for open sites and hours or dial 2-1-1 for help finding a nearby cooling center, as outlined by Salt Lake County.

What Comes Next

The heat backs off only slightly on Monday, with highs still hovering in the low 100s as monsoonal moisture starts to creep in. That moisture should trim peak temperatures a bit, but it will also introduce a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms by Wednesday. Forecasters expect storms to be brief and localized, with southern Utah facing the higher risk of thunderstorms and flash flooding as moisture deepens.

In the meantime, line up strenuous outdoor chores for early morning or later evening, keep water handy, and check on neighbors, older adults, and pets during the hottest hours. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, fainting, or a very high body temperature, call 9-1-1 right away.